A review by ceighbree

From the intimate interpretation of some of the word's greatest Sophianic iconography, to biblical scripture, from the visions of St. Hildegard of Bingen and Anne Catherine Emmerich, the writings of Russian Sophia Scholars, Her images and incarnations in Eastern traditions, and more, Father Schipflinger traces Sophia throughout history. The wealth of information presented coupled with Schipflinger's intimate and heart-centered connection to Sophia, makes this a unique source reference work.
Since his articulation of this material is centered around the thesis that Sophia is said to have appeared to us in the form of Mary, the virginal mother of Jesus of Nazareth, this Sophia encyclopedia is better read with patience and hope that someday Her entire legacy will be available. This humble reader questions whether time and historical manipulations have clouded the Mystery of Sophia to the extent that the search for Sophia has been focused on only one Mary, and thus only one aspect of Sophia as Mother(Love). Perhaps future insights will include an investigation of Mary the Magdalene, Sophia as Daughter/Bride (Beauty), and Sophia as Holy Soul(Truth).
This failing, however, does not detract from the usefulness and wonder of this book. Sophia-Maria remains a good beginning "that brings substance to recent investigations into Feminine Wisdom and how it has been expressed (and hidden) in tradition". Praise be "that so many things which had been hidden and forgotten might be reawakened". (Anne Catherine Emmerich)

Sophia-Maria: A Holistic Vision of Creation by Thomas Schipflinger